Eldon P. Carter

Funeral services for Eldon P. Carter, age 100, of Davenport, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Christian Center Church in Davenport. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Parson’s Cemetery in Oakville, IA. Mr. Carter died on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. Cunnick-Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.Eldon Parsons Carter was born in Oakville, IA on January 22, 1909, the son of Howard and Zula (Parsons) Carter. He served in the United States Construction Battalions (Seabees) during World War II. During his service he was stationed in the Guata Canal, Okinawa, and Alaska. In 1933 he married Rosalee Nina Wilsey in Davenport, IA. They moved briefly to Wapello, IA before ultimately returning to Davenport. Mr. Carter owned and operated Carter's Auto Body in Davenport prior to working as a self-employed insurance adjuster. Upon retiring in 1986, he enjoyed delivering bread to families and various shelters in Davenport.Mr. Carter began playing the banjo at a young age where he played for house dances and other functions. He was a member of "The Gospel Strings" band and made several recordings of his music. In June of 2009, Mr. Carter celebrated his 71st Anniversary in the Masonic Lodge. He was a 33rd degree Master Mason, a member of the Trinity Lodge and the Kaaba Shrine. He is survived by a daughter: Viola (George) Peddle of Walcott, IA; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalee; a daughter, Mary Knaack; a son, Earl James; a grandchild, three brothers and a sister.